Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 424, Nathaniel Fanning, Navy U.S. Navy Up To 1805

SERVICE
NUMBER
Navy
Fanning, Nathaniel Palmer, Elizabeth
Old Act Navy N. 424
(Former Widow)
and U.S. Navy up to 1805.
CONTENTS

File No. 424 NAVY PENSIONER.
Lavinia Smith Child widow of Nathaniel Fanning, dec. who was a Lieutenant
on board of the
The following are the names and ages of his children :
OLD ACT.
Rev.
Settled prior to 1820
placed on the Pension Roll under the act of the of
Certificate payable at issued on the of 184 and sent to
Allowed per month, commencing on the of 184

Att d Levi Woodbury Secretary U. States Treasury Washington City
Treasy Dept 4 apr '37
Part of the within claim being for a Navy pension the reports are respectfully referred to the Secy of the Navy
H. 102 Ph. 57 Rays
Y 124 April 10 3 W.H. Wilson
Mr. Austin What was the final rank of Nathl. Fanning? what time did he die Levi L. Woodbury died 1 March 1841 at 30 April 1805
so knew it rather better I don't tell him less than that he any knowledge of it any knowledge of it
1805

Mr. Austin What was the broad rank of Walter Fanning? what time did he die
Secy of the Navy Washington D.C. 30th Dec Sept. 1805
Hon. Levi Woodbury Secretary U. States Treasury Washington City
Can you give me any particulars of so that it will be I must tell him so as to let him know the
Treasury Dept 4 Apr '37
Part of the within claim being for a Navy pension the reports are respectfully referred to the Secy of the Navy
F. 102 Ap. 57 Rags
Y 124 April 10 3 W. H. Brown

New York March, 31 st - 1837.
Dear Sir, By this days mail, I have the honor to forward to His Excellency, the President, of the United States, the Memorial of the Widow, & Daughter of Nathaniel Fanning a deceas'd Officer in the U.S. Navy, relative to his prize money in the Konhommie Richard under John Paul Jones, and half pay in the U. States service.
Not having any particular Agent in Washington City, - May I ask of Mr. Woodbury's goodness, to select a person, & cause his name to be inserted in the blank, in authorized certificate herewith, who will give early attention to the obtaining the principal, & interest, of prize money, and the amount of half pay, - and after deducting his usual commissions on remittance, &c. promptly forward to me by mail a bank draft in my favor for the amounts.
Your kind favor my dear Sir, in this, will very much oblige the Widow, & orphan Daughter of a gallant naval Officer who perished, while on duty in the service of his Country.
This Officer a brother of mine, was serving as Midshipman on board the Konhommie Richard, and whose name will be found in that ships enrolment, had the favor to be selected by Capt. Jones, and was acting previous, & at the time of the celebrated battle, as his private secretary, - during its rage, the captain of the B. R.'s main top, and most of the men, at the Station had become slain, I eye quickly Jones, observing this, promptly gave an order to him, to take a fresh gang to the main top, and see what he could do there in command of it, for his country, when they soon had the fortune to clear the British ships tops, of their men, and as the two ships now lay along side with their yards locked; with his men, he now easily passed on the yards into the Serapis top, and directing their fire, with hand grenades, & other missiles down on her decks, which caused such slaughter, that in spite of their Officers, drove their men from their stations, - and was one, among the prominent, in obtaining the victory, - which act Capt. Jones, afterwards in the presence of his officers, mentioned very much to his praiseworthy conduct.
W th Levi Woodbury Secretary U. States Treasury
with much esteem, I am Dear Sir, very Respectfully Your Obedt. Servt.
P.S. - enclosed is a copy of the Memorial,
and copy of letter from John H. Sherburne Esq. with vouchers And an Article for insertion in the Globe, which I beg of Mr. Woodbury's usual kindness to be pleased to send to Messrs. Blair & Rives.
Respectfully G. Fanning

the This certifies that _____ is hereby duly authorized to receive the principal & interest of prize money & half pay coming as per recent acts of Congress to the heirs of Nathaniel Fanning deceased late an Officer in the United States Navy; - and to give all the required receipts, and acknowledgements of the same, - as per virtue of the power in the Memorial of their's - the said heirs, to His Excellency the President of the United States. - New York March 31 1837.
_____ Edmund Fanning Attorney of heirs

Witnesses to the age of Lavinia Smith.

15215_0122 State of Connecticut County of New London and Town of Groton - - - - -
We Mary Stanton & Denison Smith the undersigned witnesses do hereby declare, & testify that we are acquainted with, & have known Lavinia Smith the only child & daughter of Lieut. Nathaniel Fanning, deceased, an officer in the United States Navy, from her birth, and that the said Lavinia Smith was born on the eleventh day of September in the year Seventeen hundred & ninety six & she was therefore of course, twenty one years of age on the eleventh day of September, Eighteen Hundred & Seventeen to the truth, & fact of which, we do hereby depose, & set our hands & seals this 19 th day of April - 1837 -
Mary Stanton
Denison Smith
Personally appeared before me this 19 th day of April 1837 Mary Stanton & Denison Smith and testified that the above mentioned age of Lavinia Smith is correct & true
Joseph Dursey Justice of the Peace I hereby certify that the above named Mary Stanton & Denison Smith are credible witnesses Joseph Dursey Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut } New London County } p
I John D e Witt Clerk of the County Court in and for said New London County do hereby certify that Joseph Duryee esq before whom the within deposition of Mary Stanton and Denison Smith was taken, was and is on this 19 th day of April 1837. a Justice of the peace in and for said New London County duly authorized and by law empowered to administer oaths, and that full faith and credit are due to his official acts as such, and that his signatures affixed thereto & also to the Certificate I believe to be genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County this 19 th day of April A d 1837
John D e Witt Clerk 11

Memorial of Elizabeth Palmer & Lavinia Smith
Lavinia Smith Child of Lt. Fanning, D r

Lavinia Smith
Child of Lt. Fanning, D c
Memorial of Elizabeth Palmer & Lavinia Smith

Memorial. - To His Excellency, Martin Van Buren President of the United States, - This memorial respectfully sheweth, viz. That your memorialists the subscribers hereunto, Elizabeth Palmer and Lavinia Smith were in fact, & truth, at his demise the wife (widow) and only child, & Daughter of Nathaniel Fanning, who served in the Good man Richard under John Paul Jones at the time of the noted battle between that ship, and the British ship of war Serapis. - and who subsequently was an Officer in the service, in the United States Navy, - and while on duty at the U. States naval station at Charlestown S. C. - he there took the yellow fever, which evented in his death, on the _____ day of _____ in the year eighteen hundred & five being then in a command, if not higher in rank, a midshipman in the United States Navy, leaving no property, but his sword, & cloths, therefore not any Letter of Administration was ever taken out. - his then wife (& widow) Elizabeth Fanning subsequently mar- ried Samuel Palmer about fifteen months after the demise of the S d Nathaniel Fanning, but is now again a widow. - and his only child, & Daughter Lavinia Fanning, now Lavinia Smith married her present husband Nathan Smith and was twentyone years of age on the eleventh day of September eighteen hundred & seventeen, making the elapse of time from the death of her Father the said Nathaniel Fanning to her arriving to the age of twentyone years, just _____ years _____ months, & _____ days, of time for, or entitling to, the half pay, as per act of Congress. - Your memorialists therefore most respectfully prayeth, that Your Excellency will be pleased, by virtue of the late Acts of Congress relative to prize money, and half pay, to direct, & cause to be paid to the order of our agent herein after named, all such sums, or sums of prize money, and half pay, as may be due, or coming to your memorialists, the only legal heirs of the said Nathaniel Fanning deceased, as per, and by virtue of said Acts of Congress may appear to their awards.
Further our relative Edmund Fanning is here by fully empowered, & duly authorized as our Agent & Attorney to receive all amounts, and dues of said prize money, and half pay, or to authorize any other person to effect the same and to give all required receipts, vouchers, &c. in our discharge & acknowledgement to the receipt of the same. - And your memorialists as in duty bound will ever pray.
Croton March 29 1837.
Elizabeth Fanning Palmer Lavinia Smith

State of Connecticut, County of New London, Town of Groton. - Personally this 29 th day of March 1837, appeared before me, Elizabeth Palmer, & Lavinia Smith, the signers of the above Memorial, and within Memorial, and freely declared, and deposed that the facts, dates and matter stated in said memorial, are to the best of their knowledge, & belief correct, and true. - Groton 29 th March 1837.
Wm. H. Starr, Justice of the Peace "
For specifying the precise dates for the blanks in the above Memorial, it is presumed that they are recorded in the Navy Department, it being as appears by some Documents on hand this date between the 15 th day of September and the 15 th day of November A.D. 1805.
Wm H. Starr "
This certifies that Wm H Starr is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of New London New London March 29 th 1837. Goodwin Billing Clerk of the County Court at London County

Mrs Eliza Fanning
Sullivan's Island
Sch r Betsy Capt. Layne
} near Charleston S.C. care of Mr. Hope Master of the City Hotel

Cox's Pier near Savannah Sept. the 12 th (1865)
My Dear Eliza
By Capt. Sayre who was on Board of us last Evening I improve the opportunity of writing just to inform you that I am well, hope you and our little daughter enjoys the same. On my Cruise I have been twice in the Gulf Stream, and once almost as far Northward as the Flying Fish Shoals, but the Gun Boat does not prove to be quite so good a Sea Boat as I expected, she wants. We took shelter here this day Week on account of an approaching Storm, and to get a supply of Fresh Water and it seems very Fortunate that we did as the Gale was very heavy out at Sea. A Brig has since arrived here dismasted and there is no doubt but a number of other Vessels have suffered severely. I have heard of the Brigate Adams being on this Coast and shall probably meet her soon. I shall sail the first Wind and most likely shall be in Charleston in about Seven, or eight days, though I am first bound to the Southward of this. Kiss Lavinia often for her Papa, and tell her to be a good Girl, and for yourself receive the tender assurances of
Your Affectionate & Faithful Husband
P.S. Please to present my respects to Mr. Hooper's Family and other acquaintances on Sullivan's Island —
Nath. Fanning

William Lloyd John Morris Certificate
John Morris William Lloyd Certificate
Mathew Fanning B. A. N. N. No. 432 Navy (Com.) & U.S. Navy 6-1815

1815
Stephen Pugh John Morris Baltimore
Nathaniel Fanning D. C. Navy No. 424 Navy (Comm.) - U.S. Navy 6-1805

This Certifies whom it may concern that Nath l Lanning has com- mended in our employ the Belisarius of Eighteen Guns & Ranger of four Guns french Privateers belonging to this Port the former he was in two Cruises & the latter one, & also a Brigantine of sixteen Guns that was ready to sail when News arrived here of the Peace & that he has always since his arrival here behaved himself in a sober Prudent & truly Brave manner in every part of his duty as an experienced Sea Officer
Dunkirk 10 th July 1783
B. Peychier & Charles Ferris

Copy of Memorial of Elizabeth Palmer & Lavinia Smith

Copy - Memorial. - To His Excellency. - Martin van Buren President of the United States. - This Memorial respectfully sheweth, viz.
That your memorialists the subscribers hereunto, Elizabeth Palmer & Lavinia Smith were in fact, & truth, at his demise the wife (widow) and only child & Daughter of Nathaniel Fanning, who served in the Good man Richard under John Paul Jones at the time of the Noted Battle between that Ship, and the British Ship of war Serapis. - And who subsequently was an Officer in the service, in the United States Navy. - And while on duty at the U. States Naval Station, at Charleston S. C. - he there took the yellow fever, which evented in his Death, on the            day of            in the year Eighteen hundred & five being, then in a Command, if not higher in rank, a Midshipman in the United States Navy, - leaving no property, but his sword, & cloths, - Therefore not any Letter of Administration was ever taken out, - His then wife (widow) Elizabeth Fanning subsequently married Samuel Palmer about fifteen months after the demise of the said Nathaniel Fanning - but is now again a widow. - And his only child, & Daughter Lavinia Fanning, now Lavinia Smith married her present Husband Nathan Smith, - and was Twentyone years of age on the Eleventh day of September Eighteen hundred & seventeen, making the elapse of time from the death of her Father the S d Nathaniel Fanning, to her arriving to the age of Twentyone years, Just            years            Months &            days, of time for, or entitling to the Half Pay, as per Act of Congress. - Your Memorialists therefore most respectfully prayeth, that Your Excellency will be pleased, by virtue of the late Acts of Congress relative to Prize money, and half pay, to direct, & cause to be paid to the order of our Agent herein after named, all such sum, or sums of Prize money, and half pay, as may be due, or coming to your Memorialists, the only legal heirs of the said Nathaniel Fanning deceased, - as per, and by virtue of said Acts of Congress may appear to their award.
Further, our Relative Edmund Fanning is hereby fully empowered and duly authorized as our Agent, & Attorney to receive all amounts, and dues of said Prize money, and half pay, or to authorize any other person to effect the same, and to give all required receipts, vouchers, &c in our discharge and acknowledgement to the receipt of the same. - And your Memorialists as in duty bound will ever pray; - Groton March 29 th - 1837. Elizabeth Palmer,
Lavinia Smith,
over

State of Connecticut, County of New London, Town of Groton Personally this 29 th day of March 1837 appeared before me, Elizabeth Palmer, & Lavinia Smith, the signers of the above Memorial or within, Memorial, and freely Declared, and Deposed that the facts, dates, and matter stated in said Memorial, are to the best of their knowledge & belief correct, and true. — Groton 29 th March 1837.
W m H. Starr, Justice of the Peace
Not possessing the precise dates for the blanks in the above Memorial, — It is presumed that they are on record in the Navy Department, — it being as appears by Documents on hand between the 15 th day of September, — and the 15 th day of November A. D. 1805. — W m H. Starr " "
This Certifies that W m H. Starr is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of New London. — New London March 29 th 1837. —
Coddington Billings Chief Judge of the County Court N. London, County,

Copy of Letter from John H. Shelburne Esq r

(Copy.)
Washington City January 31 st 1837.
Sir, Your letter of the 28 th inst t . was duly received relative to prize money due to Nathaniel Fanning. - In reply, I have the honor to state, that there appears to be due him 348 Livres 45 sous, his original share was 511 Livres, but advances were made during the cruise of 163 L o . - leaving the above balance due him, - which I think may be recovered, principal and interest since 1786. If the necessary powers are given to me, viz. - A full power of Attorney, from you with letters of Administration taken out by you as the Representative of your brother, - I will undertake to prosecute the claim at my own expense for the usual allowance in similar Cases.
You probably are aware, also, that there is a further claim, for prize money pending from the Court of Denmark, to the amount of Fifty Thousand Pounds sterling, - for which I am the Attorney, for the heirs of Paul Jones and others, - If you decide to make me your Agent, the power should be sufficiently extensive to cover both cases.
I am very respectfully Sir, Your Ob t . Servant John H. Sherburne
Edmund Fanning Esq r New York

The United States
Navy Department
1805
To Nathaniel Fanning Dr
Doll. Cts
To travelling charges from New York to Charleston S.C. at as allowed by Government for an officer of my rank ————— } To my Wages from the Eleventh of Dec r last 1804 to this date making four Months and two thirds of a Month at fifty } 233 " 33 Dollars per Month ————— } To rations for one Hundred and forty one days at four rations per day (each Twenty } 112 " 50 Cents)
E.E. Charleston S.C. May
The 2 d 1805.
Nath l Fanning

Power of Attorney to Edmund Fanning
1827

15215_01245 { ss } State of Connecticut, County of New London and Town of Groton.
This certifies that I Lavinia Smith the only child & daughter of Nathaniel Fanning deceased, an officer in the United States Navy, do by these presents appoint empower, & authorize, Edmund Fanning, as my Attorney, & Agent to receive all pension monies due, or coming from the Government of the United States to me. And the said Edmund Fanning is hereby authorized to do, or cause to be done, all acts, or deeds relative to the same as well, and as fully as I could do, were I present in person to act. — In confirmation of which, I do hereby set my hand, & seal this 19 th day of April 1837.
In presence of
John S. Drey } Joseph Dursey }
Lavinia Smith
New London County ss. Groton 19 th April 1837
Personally appeared Lavinia Smith signer & sealor of the foregoing instrument & acknowledged the same to be her free act & Deed before me
Joseph Dursey Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut } New London County } fs
I John D e Witt Clerk of the County Court in and for said New London County do hereby certify that Joseph Duryee esq before whom the within power of Attorney by Lavinia Smith was acknowledged was and is on this 19 th day of April 1837 a Justice of the peace in and for said New London County duly empowered to take and certify such acknowledgment, and to administer oaths, and that full faith and credit are due to his official acts as such, and that his signature thereto I believe to be genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 19 th day of April A D 1837
John D e Witt Clerk

Certificate of Paul Jones father

Certificate to Congress, a (True Copy.) the Original being enclos'd to the President with Memorial,
I do hereby Certify that Nathaniel Fanning of Stonington State of Connecticut has sailed with me in the Station of Midshipman Eighteen Months while I Commanded, the Good Man Richard until she was lost in the Action with the Serapis; & in the Alliance, & Ariel Frigates. — His Bravery on Board the first Mentioned Ship, in the Action with the Serapis a King's Ship of Fifty Guns off of Flamborough Head, while he had the Command of the Main Top, will I hope recommend him to the Notice of Congress. in the line of Promotion - with his other Merits.
In o P t Jones,
L'Orient (in France) 17 th December 1780. —

W. C. K.
St. Louis Mo.
To His Excellency
Martin Van Buren
President of the United States
Refer. to the Secy. of the Washington City
Many M rs
Yr 125 April 4 M c Lean
Refer to 4th and 5th When you see

Eliza
Upper Falls.
To His Excellency,
Martin Van Buren,
President of the United States
Refor. to the keep of the Washington City Many all Dr
Yr 125 April 44 M. Nelson
Refor. to 4th and with John Jay

New York March, 31 st 1837.
To His Excellency, Martin Van Buren President of the U. States.
Herewith I respectfully have the honor to enclose a Memorial of my sister, & Niece.
And may I with propriety respectfully ask, of the President, to be pleased to direct, & cause their amounts, as per Acts of Congress. to be placed at my disposal, — that the widow & orphan Daughter of a gallant Officer, who perished in the service of his country, may receive the same.
P. S. I respectfully enclose the (to Congress) Certificate of Commodore Jones, relative to the Daring Bravery of this Officer, which tended so much to this victory, and who finally perished in the service of his Country. — And submit in confidence his highly merited claim, to the need of his very worthy widow & Daughter, to the President Most Respectfully E. Fanning
And have the honor to be Most Respectfully The President's unfeigned Obedt. Servt. E. Fanning

Edmund Lanning
Received of Mr. A. L. 1837
e henrich dom
Mr. Mahlon Dickerson Secretary U. States Navy Washington City
No. 106. April 13 Bass

New York April 10 th 1837.
Dear Sir, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of 7 th Inst. - And truly regret that any doubts should arise in the construction on the Pension act, unfavorable, or in delay, of the case, of the very worthy widow, & Daughter of Lieut. Fanning, as the first is in the tremor of age, living with, & dependent on her daughter, and the latter is now the Mother of nine young children in much need of this aid, - and if there is any patriot of '76, that fought for his Country through the revolutionary war, that has a claim on his Country, & Congress, Lieut. Fanning is one. - At the invitation of Doct r Franklin he promptly repaired to France, & entered on board the Good Man Richard a 50 gun ship, under the command of Commodore J. P. Jones, and was a conspicuously brave, & daring active officer through the war! After which entered into the employ a few years as Master in the Merchants marine, - then entered the service in the Navy again, & perished on duty at his station, it is presumed early in October 1805, as his widow says (who was with him at the time of his death) that in the storm of the line gale in the last of September he was several hours in it, attending to the safety of the vessels of the Navy, when he came in, drenched wet, which brought on an attack of yellow fever, which in a few days ended in death, leaving his widow & child by his highly merited claim to the liberality of the Government of his Country, - And I cannot my dear Sir, but earnestly hope, that the most favorable construction will be given to his widow & child's merited, & needy case, - for I cannot believe that there is a patriotic case, on the list, where the finger of support of our beloved Country's Government, can be more justly applied.
With sentiments of high regard, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, The Secretary's Obdt t Serv t
E. Fanning
Hon d Mahlon Dickerson, Secretary U. States Navy, Washington City

Child of Great Learning Excellent Learning.
ansd. 7. 8th. May 1837.
Answer affixed this sheet was folded
Hon. Mahlon Dickerson, Secretary U. States Navy Washington City
Ms. 124. May 8 Russ

New York May 6 th 1837.
Dear Sir
Although it having fallen to my lot, as I fully believe, to have had the fortune to have opened, by perseverance & enterprise the gates to a greater number of pecuniary streams into the National Revenue, or Treasury, (at least to the amt. of millions) without taking out from our Country capital or property (to but mere trifle) in the effecting the same, other than the subsistence of those employed, - than to any other citizen, - still I have never received a dollar from Government, - Am therefore perfectly ignorant of the custom & rules of the Departments, in making payments. And took the liberty to respectfully, ask, of Secretary Dickerson in my letter of 21 st Ult., to be pleased to cause a warrant or Draft to be remitted to me for the amt. of Pension coming to the child of Lieut. Nathl. Fanning U.S. Navy deceased, - having not received an answer, - and having no particular Agent in Washington City; - should I be advised, that it is absolutely necessary that I should be at your Department in person, to obtain said Pension, would very readily endeavor to comply, as the main objection, would be the saving of the expense of travel, &c. to the daughter of Lieut. Fanning, who really needs every shilling to cloth, educate, &c. her numerous family of nine promising young children. I therefore most respectfully deem it a duty, to bring to the mind of the hon ble Secretary the case of the child of this brave, & very meritorious deceased Officer.
And am, with unfeigned regard very respectfully
The Secretary's Obdt. Servt.
Q. Fanning
Hon ble Mahlon Dickerson Secretary U. States Navy Washington City

25 th April 1837 Referred to the 4 th . Auditor to report the account for arrears of pension under the act of 3rd. March 1837.
Hon d Mahlon Dickerson Secretary U States Navy
Washington City
Y 113. Apr 24 Rags

New York April 21 st 1837.
Dear Sir, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 14 th Inst n - and herewith to enclose the papers required, relative to the pension case, of the child of Lieut. Nath l Fanning U.S. Navy, deceas'd.
May I respectfully ask, of the kindness of the Secretary, to be pleased to cause a Draft in my favor, & order, to be remitted to me for the amount of said, Pension. With unfeigned Regard, I am very Respectfully The Secretary's - Obdt l Serv t .
Edmund Fanning
Hon d Mahlon Dickerson, Secretary U. States Navy, Washington City

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Fanning, Thomas GRADE Private LINE Connecticut
WARRANT NUMBER 5771 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED July 2, 1790 to — not shown —
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.